Skating means edge work instead of a kick zone: V1 and V2 explained, the faster sibling of the classic diagonal stride since Bill Koch in 1982.
The honest answer first: skating in cross-country skiing is still a relatively young technique – established only since the 1980s, while the diagonal stride has existed since the sport's beginnings. The trigger: American Bill Koch brought a skate-like edge push-off to the 1982 World Championships that was so much faster it changed the sport's entire picture.
The core difference from the diagonal stride: instead of pushing off from a kick zone, you push sideways off the edge of your ski – a V-shaped movement pattern similar to speed skating. Weight shifts sideways rather than forward, which demands noticeably more balance at first than the diagonal stride.
You should know two base techniques: V1 (offset) and V2. In V1, you pole on only one side of your body per cycle – asymmetric but powerful, ideal for climbs. In V2, you pole on every single leg push-off – more symmetric, faster, but more tiring, typically used on flats or at high speed. A third variant, V2-alternate, poles only every other leg push-off, saving energy at moderate speed.
Important: skating needs a specially groomed, wide, smoothly rolled lane with no grooves – the technique doesn't work on a classic track's grooved lane. So check beforehand whether your trail is set for skating.
Train Smart. Play Hard. – for switching to skating that means: patience with your balance, the rest comes with repetition.
Both skis point slightly outward, and you push off alternately from the inside edge – similar to ice skating, just with skis instead of blades and poling for extra support.
V1 is usually the easier entry point, because poling happens on only one side, leaving you more time for the leg motion. Practice first on a gentle slope, where the rhythm develops more naturally.
Once V1 feels solid, try V2 on flat terrain: poling on every leg push-off, symmetric left and right. It demands more coordination but delivers more speed in return.
Skating only works on wide, rolled lanes without grooves – check the trail markings before heading out, or ask which sections of the network are set for skating.
Skating reaches noticeably higher speeds than the diagonal stride on flats and gentle downhills, while demanding more balance at the same time. Practice your first sessions on clear, low-traffic terrain and keep enough distance from other skiers until your balance feels secure.
Film yourself practicing from the side. The sideways weight shift almost always feels further than it looks on video – most beginners unconsciously stay too centered over both skis instead of fully committing to the edge. A second angle from the front also shows whether your skis really sit cleanly in the V position.
In the early stage, yes, because lateral balance on the edge feels less familiar. With prior diagonal-stride experience, though, the switch usually goes faster than beginners fear.
In V1 you pole on only one side per cycle, ideal for climbs. In V2 you pole on every leg push-off — more symmetric and faster, but more tiring, typically used on flats.
No. Skating needs a specially groomed, wide lane without grooves – the edge technique doesn't work on a pure classic track. Trail maps usually show which sections are set for skating.
As a standalone racing technique since the early 1980s, made famous mainly by Bill Koch's skate-like push-off at the 1982 World Championships – a turning point that changed the whole sport.
Ideally, yes. Skating boots have a higher, stiffer cuff that provides lateral stability on the edge – classic boots have a more flexible cuff, since the foot rolls more in the direction of travel there. Some entry-level models combine both but aren't truly optimal for either discipline.
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